In this episode of The Keeping The Dream Alive Podcast, we sit down with Cindy Walz, CFO of Torch Technologies and Starfish Holdings, to dive into the intricacies of ESOPs (Employee Stock Ownership Plans), vesting, and diversification.

Cindy shares valuable insights into how ESOPs work, the vesting schedule, and the importance of diversification for employees. She explains how Torch’s unique ESOP structure helps build long-term wealth for employees and discusses the company’s strategic approach to managing employee funds. As the company continues to grow and evolve, Cindy also touches on the exciting developments ahead for Torch in 2025 and beyond.

Torch Technologies
https://torchtechnologies.com/

https://www.instagram.com/torchtechnologiesinc/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/torch-technologies-inc./posts/?feedView=all

https://www.facebook.com/TorchTechnologiesInc/

In this episode of The Keeping The Dream Alive Podcast, we sit down with Bill Roark, co-founder of Torch Technologies, for a deep dive into what valuation means in an employee-owned company. Bill explains the annual ESOP valuation process—why it matters, how it’s calculated, and how every employee plays a role in growing the value of the company.

We explore the key differences between public and private company valuations, the impact of performance and forecasting, and how Torch, Freedom Real Estate, and Starfish Holdings fit together in the bigger picture. Bill also shares real-world examples of how small actions—like turning off the lights—can translate into real financial benefits for employee-owners.

Torch Technologies
https://torchtechnologies.com/

https://www.instagram.com/torchtechnologiesinc/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/torch-technologies-inc./posts/?feedView=all

https://www.facebook.com/TorchTechnologiesInc/

In this episode of Keeping the Dream Alive, we’re joined by Virginia McCrary of Torch Technologies to dive into the STEPs program—Society of Torch Emerging Professionals. As one of the program’s founding organizers, Virginia shares how STEPS has evolved into a key part of preserving and growing Torch’s unique employee-owner culture.

From trivia nights and paint parties to professional development and community outreach, STEPS creates opportunities for all employees—new and seasoned—to connect beyond their day-to-day work. Virginia discusses how the program adapts to meet the needs of a growing company, encourages intern participation, and fosters a strong sense of belonging across the team.

🎧 Tune in to hear how STEPS is keeping the Torch culture thriving—one event at a time.

Torch Technologies
https://torchtechnologies.com/

https://www.instagram.com/torchtechnologiesinc/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/torch-technologies-inc./posts/?feedView=all

https://www.facebook.com/TorchTechnologiesInc/

In this episode, we’re joined once again by Clay Hagan of Torch Technologies to talk about a major milestone in the company’s journey—becoming a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) in early 2024.

Clay breaks down what it means to be a PBC, why Torch pursued this rare designation, and how it aligns with their long-term commitment to employee ownership, community impact, and sustainable growth. We dive into the multi-year process of transforming Torch’s governing documents, the unique responsibilities of being 100% employee-owned, and the importance of embedding purpose and values into the company’s foundation.

From their ESOP structure to their four core commitments as a PBC, this episode unpacks the why behind the move—and what it means for the future of Torch, its employees, and the broader community they serve.

Whether you're interested in the ESOP model, corporate governance, or building mission-driven companies, this episode offers a unique look inside a company striving to lead with intention and integrity.

Torch Technologies
https://torchtechnologies.com/

https://www.instagram.com/torchtechnologiesinc/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/torch-technologies-inc./posts/?feedView=all

https://www.facebook.com/TorchTechnologiesInc/

In this episode of Keeping The Dream Alive, we sit down with Aaron Thompson, Assistant Vice President for Advancement and Branding at Alabama A&M University, to explore the university’s 150-year legacy and its bold vision for the future.

Aaron shares how Alabama A&M is evolving through record-breaking enrollment, transformative campus projects, and a $150 million fundraising campaign focused on campus improvements, STEM infrastructure, and student scholarships. He also discusses the university’s deep connection to Huntsville’s growth and why students from across the country are choosing A&M for more than just academics—they’re choosing community, opportunity, and impact.

https://www.aamu.edu/

Torch Technologies
https://torchtechnologies.com/

https://www.instagram.com/torchtechnologiesinc/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/torch-technologies-inc./posts/?feedView=all

https://www.facebook.com/TorchTechnologiesInc/

In this episode of Keeping The Dream Alive, we sit down with Bill Roark,
co-founder of Torch Technologies, for a deep dive into the company's
unique ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) culture. Bill shares how
employee ownership isn't just a structure—it's a mindset that transforms
how people show up to work, collaborate across departments, and invest
in each other's success.

We explore the responsibilities and rewards of being an employee-owner,
how Torch fosters a family-like atmosphere, and the importance of
community engagement through events like the Children’s Christmas
Party, tailgates, and Torch Helps initiatives. Bill also reflects on the
company’s growth, the challenge of maintaining culture at scale, and
why long-term strategic planning and community impact remain central
to Torch’s mission.

Torch Technologies
https://torchtechnologies.com/

https://www.instagram.com/torchtechnologiesinc/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/torch-technologies-inc./posts/?feedView=all

https://www.facebook.com/TorchTechnologiesInc/

In this episode, we sit down with two leaders making a powerful impact in the Huntsville community—Darren Geiger, President & CEO of Family Services Center, and Shirley Schofield, CEO of the Food Bank of North Alabama.

They share how their organizations are addressing core issues like food insecurity, homelessness, mental health, and family support through a wide range of services—from workforce development and grief counseling to food distribution and school partnerships. With Huntsville’s rapid growth, both organizations are navigating increased demand while emphasizing the importance of collaboration, data-driven impact, and diversified funding strategies.

We explore the realities their clients face, how their missions have evolved, and what their biggest needs are heading into 2025. Whether it’s providing shelter, serving 80,000+ people each month with food, or connecting families with vital resources, Darren and Shirley are on the front lines of building a stronger, more supportive community.

If you’re looking for ways to give back, get involved, or better understand the human needs in our region—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

https://fsc-hsv.org/

https://www.foodbanknorthal.org/

Torch Technologies
https://torchtechnologies.com/

https://www.instagram.com/torchtechnologiesinc/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/torch-technologies-inc./posts/?feedView=all

https://www.facebook.com/TorchTechnologiesInc/

In this episode of Keeping The Dream Alive, we're excited to welcome back Clay Hagan for an in-depth conversation about one of the foundational elements of Torch Technologies: the ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan). Clay breaks down what an ESOP is, why it’s such a crucial part of Torch’s culture, and how employee ownership impacts career growth, company loyalty, and long-term value. We dive into the history of Torch’s ESOP journey—from its early days as a small spinout to becoming a 100% employee-owned company—and explore how Torch has built systems to ensure sustainability for both current and future employees.

Torch Technologies
https://torchtechnologies.com/

https://www.instagram.com/torchtechnologiesinc/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/torch-technologies-inc./posts/?feedView=all

https://www.facebook.com/TorchTechnologiesInc/